The Second Republic has rolled out a US$3 million Presidential Women’s Empowerment Fund, a programme designed to dismantle socio-economic barriers and place women at the centre of Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
Speaking at the official launch in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa said the initiative was a deliberate and targeted intervention aimed at debunking the long-held misconception that women cannot own wealth.
“Women are central to the socio-economic transformation of our country. This fund is not just about money, but also about equipping you with skills, knowledge and confidence to uplift your families and communities,” said the President.
Each of the country’s 10 provinces will receive US$300 000 from the facility. In addition, the launch saw the distribution of farming and mining equipment including tractors, ploughs, wheelbarrows, spades, picks, riggers, carts and a 10 000-capacity incubator, all meant to support women in productive ventures.
The event ran under the theme “The Power of Empowered Women: Transforming Lives, Transforming Societies, Towards Vision 2030.”
President Mnangagwa stressed that empowering women was integral to achieving national goals.
“When women have economic power and sustainable livelihoods, families are secure and communities thrive. Together, we can win the fight against poverty, brick by brick and stone upon stone,” he said.
He urged beneficiaries to channel the funds into viable and profitable projects with clear market demand.
“Your projects must generate income, create jobs and bring tangible improvements in our communities. I am confident that you will manage the resources with transparency, accountability and discipline,” he added.
The President also highlighted regional opportunities, noting that SADC and COMESA provided ready markets for Zimbabwean products.
He encouraged women to take advantage of such openings to increase exports and contribute to national growth.
Acknowledging the resilience of Zimbabwean women in the face of sanctions and climate change, President Mnangagwa commended their continued efforts in education, health, agriculture, manufacturing and other sectors.
“Your entrepreneurial spirit is creating jobs and driving social inclusion across the country. Well done,” he said.
He further charged the ZANU PF Women’s League to ensure inclusivity in the selection of beneficiaries and to guard against any divisions that could fragment the party.
“The Women’s League is the backbone of our movement. Remain united and principled as we advance people-centred policies,” he said.
The launch was attended by Cabinet Ministers, senior Government officials, ZANU PF Politburo members and thousands of women drawn from across the provinces.
President Mnangagwa concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to gender empowerment.
